Does Exercise Reduce Depression And Anxiety Better Than Medication?

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Besides boosting energy levels and improving your mood, regular exercise has a number of health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic disease.

As for mental health, exercise reduces anxiety, depression, and negative mood, and improves self-esteem and cognitive function. Exercise has also been found to alleviate symptoms such as low self-esteem [1].

As well, a recent study has indicated that exercise is 1.5 times more effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders than psychotherapy or medication [2].

Let's find out more about this in this article - can exercise reduce depression?

Depression And Anxiety: Does Exercise Work Better?

Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is a mood disorder characterised by persistent sadness and a lack of interest, which can affect your feelings, thoughts, and behaviour.

Most depression patients benefit from medication and psychotherapy [3].

The feeling of anxiety is your body's natural response to stress, a feeling of fear or apprehension about what's to come. If your anxiety is extreme for more than 6 months and interferes with your life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

Psychotherapy, complementary health techniques, and medication are all options for anxiety treatment.

According to a large recent meta-analysis, exercise is more effective than standard psychotherapy or medications for anxiety and depression.

What Are The Benefits Of Exercise For Depression?

Depression, psychological stress, and anxiety symptoms are reduced 1.5 times better by physical activity than by medication or cognitive behavioural therapy [4].

Shorter exercise regimens provide more benefits than extended regimens. Longer-duration exercise programs diminished the benefits of physical activity interventions. To maximize the therapeutic benefits, individuals with mental health issues do not need to engage in intensive, long-term exercise.

The effect of exercise may occur through physiological and biochemical mechanisms, such as endorphins, mitochondria, mammalian target of rapamycin, neurotransmitters, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as the thermogenic hypothesis.

Exercise increases body temperature, reducing muscular tension and altering neuronal activity, thus reducing anxiety [4].

How Can Exercise Help People With Anxiety And Depression?

Researchers found that all types of exercise are beneficial to mental health, but shorter, high-intensity exercise programs produced the greatest benefits. Compared to psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy, physical activity reduced mental health issues by 42% to 60%.

Exercise, including brisk walking, lifting weights, and yoga, significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, compared with usual care, such as medication [5].

Many studies showed that walking 20-40 minutes each day was especially effective in improving depression and anxiety in older and deconditioned people.

On A Final Note...

Especially in mental health, exercise can be a good addition to or a substitute for current treatments due to its positive effects.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.